Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA; Northern Wei dynasty

The Bodhisattva stands barefoot on an inverted lotus pedestal supported on a four-legged stand. Though extensive tarnishing hides the features, details of the figure’s garments are still discernible. A stole is worn diagonally across the body, while a collar necklace and some bracelets are visible. The skirt flares about the ankles. The nimbus consists of three concentric circles. The petal-shaped mandorla is filled with flame patterns on the front while on the back there is an image of Sakyamuni Buddha seated with Prabhutaratna Buddha. The work marks a transition in the art of the Northern Wei dynasty from the style of the Taihe period (477–499) to that of the Yanchang period (512–515). An inscription on the stand states the statue was commissioned in 514 by Che Ansheng and his wife on behalf of their parents, in the hope that all their relatives will enjoy bliss.